Dafydd Jones eyes return

14 November 2006 11:13am

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Dafydd Jones aims to take a bite out of Sale Sharks with a return to rugby for Llanelli Scarlets' Anglo-Welsh clash.

Wales's injury-plagued flanker has been out for six months following shoulder reconstruction surgery. After returning to full training, Jones is targetting the EDF Energy Cup tie at Edgeley Park on December 2nd to kick-start his season, in time for the Six Nations.

Scarlets boss Phil Davies said: "Daf is looking outstanding now but we need to get him back into the rugby environment. He needs to build endurance in his body before he can get back on the field, because you don't want him breaking down."

Jones, who has 29 caps, has missed virtually the last two seasons with groin, hand and ankle problems before his latest set-back. However, a place in the World Cup squad is still on the cards for the 27-year-old experienced backrow.

WRU International Skills Coach Jason Strange is a busy man, combining the new role with that of Wales Under 20 attack coach, Ebbw Vale head coach and continuing to teach at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community.

Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton look ahead to this week's crunch RBS 6 Nations tie against France, where the Wales skipper in particular is keen to make his mark, as Paris has proved a bleak place for him in the past.

Following their historic win over England, Wales Under 20 suffered a narrow, 36-34 loss to their Scottish counterparts last weekend, despite outscoring them by five tries to three. Watch the match highlights and reaction.

WRU TV go behind the scenes with the Wales squad as they put the final touches in place ahead of the clash against Scotland at Murrayfield. Follow the squad on their captain's run, the kickers visit to Murrayfield and Neil Jenkins' press conference